La Crosse Loggers

2009 was a tough season for Wisconsin teams (yes, I know the Brewers still have 13 games left but I’ve decided to focus on 2010 now)…

Milwaukee Brewers
Currently 12.5 games behind the Central Division leaders St. Louis Cardinals, the Brewers split their series against the Cubs at Wrigley last week before sweeping the Astros over the weekend . This week, the Cubs head north to take on the Brewers at Miller Park – care to join us for a little WI/ IL rivalry? We currently have tickets available in our group for Wednesday’s game: Great rates for great seats! Drop me an email if you’re interested…

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Although they finished with a 58-81 record, more than 20 games behind the 1st place Peoria Chiefs, the Rattlers set a new attendance record this season with more than 250,000 fans heading through their gates in 09.

Beloit Snappers
With a record of 57-83, the Beloit Snappers finished in last place in the MID Western division, just 1.5 games behind the Rattlers.

A look ahead to 2010The Brewers have already announced their 2010 schedule including three 3-game series against the Cubs at home (April, June & September). For Opening Day fans, be sure to mark your calendar for Monday, April 5th when the Brewers will host the Colorado Rockies. New for 2010: game times have all been pushed back to 10 minutes past the hour (1:10 start for most day & Sunday games, 7:10 for weeknights & 6:10 for Saturday nights).

With the break for the MLB All-Star Game this week, now’s a good time as any to check in on Wisconsin’s baseball teams…

Milwaukee Brewers
Having won only 3 of their last 10 games, the Brewers are still hanging on to the number 2 spot, just 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals. Great ticket deals are still available including the State Fair/ Brewers Doubleheader: 2 Terrace Reserved tickets to a Brewers game and 2 WI State Fair tickets for $24. Interesting trivia: Did you know a scene from the movie Major League, filmed at the old Milwaukee County Stadium, was actually the impetus for relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman’s “Hell’s Bells” musical intro?Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
The Timber Rattlers are also currently in second place, just 1.5 games behind the Cedar Rapids Kernals. Click on over to their site and check out ticket packages such as their “Fang-tastic” Brewers/Rattlers package for $15. Also, Brewers hall of famer, Paul Molitor will be in attendance signing autographs prior to the Rattlers game on Tuesday, August 4th. Just in case you were wondering as to the team’s level of talent, five MLB All-Star players this year have formerly played for the Rattlers.

Beloit Snappers
Currently in last place in the MidWestern division, the Snappers have only won 6 of their 17 games to date. But, as the Class A affiliate for the MN Twins, should we feel too badly for them? There are lots of fun promotions still on the Snappers calendar including this interesting one… “Salute to the Mustache Night” complete with Fireworks!

Vintage Base Ball
Nope, that’s not a typo – Base Ball was originally two words! Load up the family and head out to Old World Wisconsin to see the Eagle Diamonds take on either the Milwaukee Grays (July 18th) or the Greenbush Dead Citys (August 15th). Teams recreate “the styles, speech, rules and terminology of the 1860s game” playing without gloves and in replica baggy uniforms.

As always, click on over to WisconsinLodging.info and begin planning your next Wisconsin baseball getaway!

If you’re not headed towards Eau Claire, you’ll still find plenty of wet & wild fun at Wisconsin water parks around the state. We’ve already shared a few Wisconsin Dells spots with you in this post, but check out some of the others as well:

The Waters of Minocqua
This northwoods-themed park features indoor-outdoor hot tub & pools along with water slides and kiddie pool and guests of the hotel have free access to the water park throughout their stay. When you’re ready for some dry fun, check out the mini-golf, horseback riding or go-carts near the hotel.

Lodge at Cedar Creek, Wausau
At 50,000 square feet, the Lodge at Cedar Creek in Wausau is one of the largest in northern Wisconsin. Kids will love the anticipation of waiting to be drenched by the 800 gallon tipping bucket. Of course, you can’t head to Wausau & not catch a Woodchucks baseball game!

Timber Ridge Lodge, Lake Geneva
Families heading to the Lake Geneva area won’t want to miss the fun at this indoor/ outdoor water park with two interactive splash pools, water slides, lazy river & more. Parents can also enroll kids in the “Kids are Grand” day programs which allow grown-ups free time to enjoy the nearby Well Spa + Salon or get in a round of golf at either the Brute or Highlands courses.

Best Western Midway Hotel Riverfront, La Crosse
If your travels take you to the Mississippi River this summer, be sure to check out the Best Western Midway’s tropical themed, indoor water center. Kids and adults alike will enjoy slides, geysers, whirlpools and more! Of course, La Crosse is also home to a Northwoods League team, the La Crosse Loggers.

Okay, you’ve made your plans to catch the Brewers, booked your stay in Beloit to catch the Snappers, and have Rattlers tickets & reservations in the Fox Cities… Still need more baseball? Check out these Wisconsin Northwoods League teams:

Started 1994, the Northwoods League has grown from just 5 teams in WI, MN & IA to its current 2 divisions with 7 teams each from WI, IA, MN, MI and Ontario. Teams are comprised of top college players, playing for free to retain their NCAA eligibility (some of whom will go on to play in the majors). This is your opportunity to see exciting baseball at wallet-friendly prices: tickets start around $5-$6 per person! The League season kicks off May 28th and wraps up with the playoffs in mid-August.

Whether you’re heading out for short getaways all summer long or focusing your full summer vacation around Wisconsin baseball, start your trip planning at WisconsinLodging.info – with nearly 1,000 hotels, motels, resorts & more to choose from, you’ll be sure to find your perfect spot in every city!